Watching Baseballnhas become so comedic. K zone just showing how shitty the umps are. We need to rid the game of the umpires mistakes.

While we all now know the electric vehicle shift did not begin with Tesla, it is safe to say that the Texas-based automaker sparked it tremendously. Not everyone was on board, but slowly and surely, we’ve witnessed legacy car makers, as well as new entrants like Lucid, join the electric vehicle revolution.

That’s partly because electric vehicle development is improving daily. Unlike their ICE counterparts, electric vehicle engines are sleeker, quicker, compact, and more efficient.

But it’s not all roses and fairy tales. Electric car technology has a few problems, some bigger than others, but most revolve around one thing: its source of power — the battery.

Electric vehicle batteries take significantly longer to charge than gas-powered cars fuel. Charging an electric vehicle is nothing like waiting in line for a free pump—it’s more like planning a dentist appointment, only this time scheduling it more often. Here’s the truth: Humans are impatient, and it’s ingrained in our DNA.

It doesn’t end there. EVs depreciate fast, don’t have enough infrastructure, and beat the logic of going green when digging into the manufacturing process and component costs.

These are just a couple of issues on the surface. Deep down, there are unfortunate flaws that are often overlooked.

Limited Range in Extreme Weather
In extremely cold temperatures, your EV’s range will decrease due to an increased energy demand to keep the battery pack and vehicle cabin warm.

According to a report by the American Automobile Association, when the weather is at 20 degrees, an electric vehicle could lose as much as 12% of its range. Turning the heater drops it down to 40%. The result is reduced efficiency and increased charging times.

That doesn’t mean extremely cold weather is better for ICEs. Due to dense air, gas-powered vehicles will experience a dip in fuel economy by about 15% at 20 degrees.

Long Charging Time
It goes without saying that EVs take considerably more time to charge than you’d fuel a regular gas-powered automobile—even if you had to wait in line for a free pump. It gets worse when using a standard domestic charger.

Still, EV charging infrastructure is expanding daily, and fast charging stations are becoming more common. But let’s face it: It’ll take a little longer before we have as many fast-charging ports as gas pumps.

Depreciation Curve Concerns
It’s a known fact among car sales circles that new vehicles take a hit on their original value in the first year (about a 20% drop). Well, an electric car’s value may experience an even sharper depreciation curve compared to a conventional car.

There are a number of reasons, the most obvious being that consumers are not picking them up as fast out of the dealership yards as expected. Also, prospective buyers are still worried about EV teething problems such as steep initial costs, long charging times, and infrastructure.

Charging Costs
Over the last few years, oil prices have been on a mood swing – thanks to geopolitical issues. They have been up and down, affecting the cost of gas throughout the world. EVs might be efficient, but that doesn’t mean charging is cheap.

No one has time to waste using a slow standard charger, but the faster alternative can be costly. Installing a Level 2 or Level 3 fast charging kit at home is also pricey, about $2,000.

This directly affects the cost of ownership. Additionally, some fast-charging networks require membership, which can rack up the cost, especially on long trips.

Complicated Production Process
When hybrid vehicles first came out, they were criticized for their tedious production processes. They used materials, some rare, that required shipping across different continents to be processed into batteries and then shipped again to build the car.

While not of the same magnitude, electric vehicles suffer the same issues even though automakers have begun making batteries in-house. EV batteries need precious minerals such as cobalt and lithium, which are sourced overseas in countries like China and Congo.

Lack of Model Variety
There are enough gas-powered models to go around. Heck, there are too many variants, and most regular folks can’t keep up with brand names or variants. We can’t say the same about electric vehicles.

Even though EV brands are still in their fancy stage, legacy brands have only started including EVs in their lineups, and there are not enough variants to choose from when it comes to features, body styles, and even sizes.

No More Jump-Starts or Easy Fixes
EV owners now and in the future will miss the early morning/ roadside easy fix. Fixing electric vehicles is more technical than jump-starting or tightening a loose hose on a gas-powered vehicle. That’s because modern cars are a little complicated to work on.

It gets worse for future electric car owners. Most auto service shops don’t have the tools, skills, or certifications to work on EVs (especially Tesla). If the vehicle experiences significant damage out of warranty, getting repairs at a regular workshop will be out of the question.

The owner will be forced to go to the dealer – who’ll have the discretion of what to charge for services offered.

Resale Market Volatility
There’s no doubt that EV market sales have surged boldly over the last couple of years. Last year, global sales rose 35% up from 2022. Still, there’s a lot of uncertainty about EVs, especially among U.S. consumers.

According to BloombergNEF, there are still concerns about whether the American population is ready to embrace electric vehicles on a mass scale, especially for heavier vehicles like pickup trucks.

Also, unlike conventional gas-powered alternatives that have set values in the used-car market, Electric Vehicles don’t, resulting in less predictable returns.

Range Anxiety
Perhaps the biggest concerns about the electric vehicle revolution are issues with the battery: high maintenance cost, inadequate charging infrastructure, and limited range, among others.

The longest-range EV (Lucid Grand Air) can travel 516 miles on a single charge, which is impressive. However, it costs more than $100,000.

Well, add inconsistent range indicators and a patchy network, and you’ll have the most stressful long trip—even with a high-tier EV model car. Most people would rather enjoy a less stressful drive.

Insufficient Charging Infrastructure
There’s a lot of disparity over charging infrastructure distribution for drivers, even in developed regions in Europe. Single houses might have access to domestic charging kits, but apartment buildings might not share the same luxury.

The U.S. and the UK have taken considerable steps in growing their electric car charging network over the years. In 2022, the American Congress passed a bill to add 500,000 new charging stations, and in February 2023, the UK added more than 18,000 stations.

Still, it will take considerable effort to catch up to gas pump network levels, which took more than a decade to achieve.

Irony of Going Green
The automotive industry’s goal of going green has its own challenges – the most interesting is also very ironic. As much as EVs produce tailless emissions, it comes at a huge cost.

What most pro-electric vehicle groups fail to mention is the extraction of materials needed for the production of electric vehicle batteries has socio-environmental consequences.

According to a 2021 study on the impact of EV production, 46% of EV carbon emissions are from the production process, compared to 26% for conventional ICE automobiles. Add damage to protected ecosystems and human rights issues in the supply chain of EV production.

Battery Degradation
One of the main factors considered when buying a vehicle is longevity and reliability. Forget what nostalgic car buffs say about classic cars being bulletproof; modern cars last way longer. They have better build materials, are efficient, and are more reliable.

While Evs share the same characteristics, the battery longevity is still a gray area. Like your favorite smartphone, batteries degrade over time (some more than others), losing capacity.

Still, Tesla’s data looks promising. According to the EV pioneer, its models average up to 200,000 miles to lose 12%.

Battery Recycling
Only 5% of the world’s batteries are recycled. That’s quite shocking, given that improper disposal can lead to environmental pollution and resource depletion. Let’s not forget the socio-environmental impacts of EV production.

Nissan, Renault, and Volkswagen are a few automakers that have set up battery recycling plants, which is a promising start to sustainable practices. However, considering the rate at which EVs are being developed (10 million on the road by 2023), these efforts feel like a drop in the ocean.

Geopolitical Impact on Raw Materials
If you pre-ordered a new car between 2020 and 2023, you must have experienced supply chain issues due to the global pandemic or, much more recently, the Ukraine-Russia conflict. Prices fluctuated, components (semiconductors) were scarce, and manufacturing was delayed.

Also, stakeholders have raised concerns over some regions having dominance over scarce raw material supply chains. These rare raw materials used to make EV batteries account for up to 50% of the car’s value.

Fluffy

Bunnies and kitties, two beloved creatures of the animal kingdom, capture the hearts of people worldwide with their undeniable charm and endearing personalities. Bunnies, with their soft fur and twitching noses, evoke feelings of innocence and playfulness. Whether hopping through fields or snuggled up in a cozy hutch, bunnies enchant with their gentle demeanor and curious nature. Their delicate features and floppy ears make them irresistible companions, bringing joy and companionship to those fortunate enough to share their company.

On the other hand, kitties exude a distinct blend of grace and independence that has fascinated humans for centuries. With their sleek bodies and mesmerizing eyes, kitties possess an innate elegance that commands attention wherever they go. From their playful antics to their soothing purrs, kitties weave their way into the hearts of their owners, forming deep bonds of affection and companionship. Whether curled up on a sunny windowsill or prowling through the house on a midnight adventure, kitties bring a sense of warmth and comfort to any household.

Together, bunnies and kitties represent the beauty of the animal kingdom and the joy they bring into our lives. Whether as playful pets or beloved companions, these creatures remind us of the simple pleasures found in the company of animals. With their adorable antics and unwavering loyalty, bunnies and kitties serve as cherished members of countless families, enriching our lives with their presence and reminding us of the profound connection we share with the natural world.

Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is a versatile household staple with a wide range of uses beyond its role in baking. One of its most common applications is as a leavening agent in recipes, where it reacts with acidic ingredients to produce carbon dioxide bubbles, causing dough to rise. However, baking soda's utility extends far beyond the kitchen, making it a valuable tool for cleaning, personal care, and even medicinal purposes.

In the realm of cleaning, baking soda's abrasive and deodorizing properties make it an effective and eco-friendly alternative to harsh chemical cleaners. It can be used to scrub surfaces such as countertops, sinks, and stovetops, lifting away dirt and grime without scratching delicate finishes. Additionally, baking soda neutralizes odors by absorbing and neutralizing acidic compounds, making it an ideal deodorizer for carpets, upholstery, and even refrigerators. Mixed with water or vinegar, baking soda forms a paste that can tackle tough stains and grease, making it a versatile and cost-effective cleaning solution for various household tasks.

Beyond its cleaning capabilities, baking soda finds numerous applications in personal care and hygiene. It can be used as a gentle exfoliant to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores, leaving skin feeling smooth and refreshed. Baking soda also acts as a natural deodorant, neutralizing odor-causing bacteria without the use of harsh chemicals or fragrances. Additionally, it can be added to bathwater to soothe irritated skin and promote relaxation. In oral care, baking soda's mild abrasive properties help remove plaque and surface stains from teeth, leading to a brighter, fresher smile.

In the realm of health and wellness, baking soda has several medicinal uses. When mixed with water, it can serve as an antacid, neutralizing stomach acid and providing relief from heartburn and indigestion. Baking soda can also be used topically to soothe insect bites and minor skin irritations, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, some studies suggest that baking soda may help alleviate symptoms of certain medical conditions, such as kidney stones and urinary tract infections, although further research is needed to confirm these benefits. Overall, baking soda's versatility and affordability make it a valuable addition to any home, offering a natural and effective solution for a wide range of household, personal care, and medicinal needs.

My biggest gripe here, is biscuits and gravy. NOBODY can talk shit about biscuits and gravy.​

​

Non-Americans Are Revealing The American Foods They Actually Hate, And It Gets Heated​

A while back, we wrote a post where non-American Redditors shared American foods that seem gross or — at the very least — quite confusing. Even more Reddit users shared the American foods they're not too fond of — and of course, it gets heated. Here's what they had to say:
1."I remember a lime jello tuna salad ring made in a bundt pan by a distant relative. We told her with her work schedule, she shouldn't bother with bringing food to potlucks."
—u/DefrockedWizard1

u/Dirk_Tungsten / Via reddit.com
2."That sweet potato casserole recipe topped with pecans and marshmallows — a 'traditional side at Thanksgiving table.'"
—u/pixgarden
"Marshmallows on sweet potatoes is so gross and foreign to me."
—u/DonSmo


u/cypressdwd
3."Canned things that probably don't need to be canned. Looking at you, whole white potatoes in water."
—u/nuclear_cyanide

4."I'm sorry but those slices of American cheese have always tasted so fake and plastic to me personally."
—u/weyamav220

5."When they introduced me to Chicago pizza, something in me died. That should not be called pizza — it's just a devil fat pie."
—u/2019Loser

6."Grits. I tried it a few times and don't hate it anymore, but it's weird. Very weird."
—u/dewali5580


7."As an Australian, I would like to know what in the flying firetruck a 'Bloomin' Onion' has to do with anything — let alone the rest of Outback Steakhouse's menu."
—u/weyamav220


8."[Midwestern] salads 🥲😬. Like, WTF, America! Crushed pineapples and marshmallows are not ingredients that belong near a salad 🤡😂."
—u/Yalaeinhorn2704

9."Mac and cheese where it does not belong. I'm looking at you, pizza and burgers."
—u/HeyNow646

10."Coffee creamer. It's wild that's even a thing. Just pour some milk in there."
—Anonymous

11."Americans tend to like their bacon crispier. As a Canadian, I say chewy bacon for the win."
—u/AstralCat69420

Whos been watching every wrestler to see who we could possibly get in the portal? Have to get guys in the off season!

A drunk and stoned Fed Ex driver rammed his delivery truck into a house in Houma, LA.
https://www.kcrg.com/2024/03/28/sus...rashing-truck-into-house-police-say/?tbref=hp

The Federal Reserve is still eyeing three interest rate cuts this year, as officials wait for a bit more confidence inflation is reliably falling to more normal levels.
At the close of their two-day meeting on Wednesday, central bankers left the benchmark interest rate steady at between 5.25 and 5.5 percent. The move was highly expected and leaves borrowing costs at their highest level in 23 years. Officials also released projections that showed three rate cuts to come in 2024, unchanged from their December outlook.


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Still, financial markets, analysts, businesses and consumers are eager for a more precise timeline on when the Fed will decide to trim rates. Inflation has made considerable progress since soaring to 40-year highs. But price growth is still too fast, and the Fed isn’t ready to declare victory until officials are more certain that inflation is on its way to their 2 percent target.


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In a statement, officials noted that economic activity has been expanding “at a solid pace.” But there’s still uncertainty ahead.
“Job gains have remained strong, and the unemployment rate has remained low,” officials said. “Inflation has eased over the past year but remains elevated.”
Every few months, officials release fresh estimates for where they think rates, inflation, growth and the job market are headed. Policymakers now think the economy will grow 2.1 percent this year, up from the 1.4 percent forecast in December. They also expect the unemployment rate will end the year at 4 percent, down slightly from previous estimates. They also predict inflation will end the year at 2.4 percent — in line with previous estimates — and won’t hit the Fed’s 2 percent target until 2026.

Central bankers also slightly revised estimates for rates over the medium term, signaling borrowing costs will be slightly higher in 2025 and 2026 than previously anticipated. (Those forecasts are nonbinding, and policymakers often stress that they could change for myriad factors.)


Federal Reserve Chair Jerome H. Powell will appear at a news conference at 2:30 p.m. Eastern. He’s expected to get questions on his outlook for the economy, the timing of future cuts and whether he thinks inflation is becoming stickier during the last mile of the Fed’s fight.
Powell will also probably shed light on any discussions around the Fed’s vast balance sheet. Officials were expected to look more closely at the pace they are reducing more than $7 trillion in government bond holdings the central bank owns. While lowering the balance sheet is intended to raise yields on longer-term bonds, such moves can cause cracks in the markets and destabilize the financial system if not handled carefully. A decision on whether to change things up could come at subsequent meetings.

After six months of encouraging inflation reports, 2024 has brought unwelcome surprises. First, inflation came in hotter than expected in January. Economists and policymakers were quick to call the report a one-off, saying seasonal glitches and other data quirks often mess with the start of the year. But then February data ticked up slightly, too.


By the time central bankers convened for their two-day meeting this week, they didn’t have a comprehensive picture of whether the past few months have amounted to predictable bumps in the road or the beginning of a more worrisome trend. If officials become convinced that inflation is becoming more persistent or rising yet again, they’d be likelier to leave interest rates higher for longer and not cut them as soon in the future.

Meanwhile, the economy has stayed remarkably strong despite the Fed’s push to slow it down. The job market is still churning, and growth continues at a solid pace. For some officials, that has tempered the desire for cuts, because the economy is clearly forging ahead, and recession fears have faded away.

Saw $3.79/gal this morning. Biden must’ve fixed his energy policies.

Kill every last one of these roaches!

Pretty disturbing anti-Semitic movement happening on the far left yet very little coverage on it. Odd.

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Former President Trump is suing TV journalist George Stephanopoulos and ABC News for defamation for saying he raped advice columnist E. Jean Carroll.

On a March 10 edition of "This Week with George Stephanopoulos," the anchor said Trump was "liable for rape" during his interview with Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.). Stephanopoulos was pressing Mace, a rape victim herself, on how she could rationalize supporting Trump's 2024 presidential candidacy.

Trump's lawsuit, filed Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Miami, said the jury in the Carroll case found him liable for sexual abuse — not rape — and that Stephanopoulos defamed the presumptive Republican presidential nominee by using the term.

.....

Trump's suit is asking for unspecified damages.

ABC News has not issued a comment on the matter.

The tense "This Week" interview was widely shared on social media. Mace took umbrage at Stephanopoulos' question, claiming he was "rape-shaming" her by bringing up her own experience as a victim, which she has publicly discussed.

Trump has previously sued media outlets, including the New York Times and CNN, with no success.

Updated Oct 2, 2023


We currently have 2 scholarships available for the 2024 class. This number, of course, will change as players commit to the 2023 & 2024 classes and as players come and go via the Transfer Portal or leave early for the NBA Draft.

The covid "free year" issue: at one time we had 6 players scheduled to graduate/be done in May, 2024: Keegan Murray (entered 2022 NBA Draft), Josh Ogundele (entered transfer portal), Ahron Ulis (entered transfer portal), Kris Murray (declared for the 2023 NBA Draft), Tony Perkins and Patrick McCaffery. Will Tony and/or PMac take advantage of the free, additional covid year and return for the 2024-2025 season? If so, they would count against the 13 scholarship limit. Stay tuned.


In Men's basketball, of course, you can have 13 on scholarship.


2024-2025 Roster (11 on Scholarship; 2 scholarships available):


FRESHMEN: 2 players

6'7" PF Cooper Koch (****)

6'8" PF Chris Tadjo (****)


SOPHOMORES: 4 players

6"10" C Owen Freeman (***)

6'0" PG Brock Harding (***)

6'7" SF Pryce Sandfort (***)

6'8" PF Ladji Dembele (****)


JUNIORS: 2 players

6'3" PG Dasonte Bowen (***)

6'5" SG Josh Dix (***)


SENIORS: 3 players

6'7" F Payton Sandfort (***)

6'11" C Riley Mulvey (***)

6'9" F/C Even Brauns


Notable Walk on players:

SENIORS: 1 player

Luc Laketa--a 2021 6'6" wing/forward; on May 13, 2021, it was announced he would be joining the roster as a preferred walk on.


JUNIORS: 1 player

Carter Kingsbury--6'5", 230 lb shooting guard; a preferred walk on.


SOPHOMORES: 1 player

Spencer Hutchison-- 6'4 guard; a walk on.


2024 Iowa Basketball Offer List:

Iowa currently has 2 scholarships available for the 2024 Class.

Iowa has not offered yet but is keeping an eye on/ has interest in:

Jinup Dobuol, 6'8 SF out of St Paul MN (Minnesota Preparatory Academy).

Cole Serta, a 6'5 SG out of Bloomington, IL. Cole unofficially visited Iowa City on Jan 15, 2023. Matt Gatens is his lead recruiter. Iowa coaches were watching him in AAU play on Fri April 21, 2023, Sat April 22, 2023 and (Fran on) Fri April 28, 2023. His AAU team is the Illinois Wolves (Cole Certa & Jaheem Webber are AAU teammates). On May 4, 2023, he committed to Notre Dame.

Jason Jakstys, a 6'10 PF out of Yorkville, IL. Jason reportedly unofficially visited Iowa City Feb 24-26, 2023. Matt Gatens is the lead recruiter. His AAU team is Breakaway Basketball.

Jaheem Webber, a 6'10, 230 lb F/C out of Normal, IL (visited the weekend of Oct 29, 2022, the Northwestern game). His AAU team is Mid Pro Academy (Owen Freeman & Brock Harding's AAU team)

Ty Davis: Iowa is watching but has not offered. Fran was watching him in AAU games on July 7, 2022. The Iowa coaches watched his AAU game on April 21, 2023 and are reportedly "seriously involved." Fran watched his AAU game on April 28, 2023. He is a 6’4 PG with a 4.05 GPA. He plays at Mountain Brook HS, which is in Alabama. His AAU team is ProOne Basketball.

Jovan Milicevic--a 6'7 SF out of Glendale, AZ. His AAU team is Arizona Unity. An Iowa coach watched his AAU game on Sunday April 23, 2023.

Caden Wilkins: Iowa is watching but has not offered. He unofficially visited Iowa on Sat Sep 18, 2021. He took a SECOND unofficial visit the weekend of Sat Sep 17, 2022 (Nevada football game). His AAU team is the Iowa Barnstormers. Iowa coaches watched his AAU game on Sunday April 30, 2023.

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Iowa has extended 36 offers so far for the Class of 2024. 15 of the 36 have visited Iowa City (6 Officially, 9 Unofficially).



The 36 Offers, in chronological order:

(Offer #36) Chris Tadjo (Iowa offered on Sep 17, 2023)

PF, 6'8, 220, Montreal, QC (NBA Academy Latin America in Canada)

@tadjo_chris

He officially visited on Sep 16, 2023 (Western Michigan football game).

He committed to Iowa on Sep 22, 2023

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(Offer #32) Darrion Sutton (Iowa offered on May 25, 2023)


SF, 6'9, 170, Lakewood, CO


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(Offer #31) Pharaoh Compton (Iowa offered on May 4, 2023)

PF, 6'8, 216, Chandler, AZ (Arizona Compass Prep School)

For 2023, Pharaoh Compton & Taj DeGourville are teammates on the Vegas Elite AAU team of the Nike circuit.

He officially visited Sep 30, 2023 (Michigan State football game)


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(Offer #29) Caden Diggs (Iowa offered on May 3, 2023)

SG, 6'7, 180, Potomac, MD

HIs AAU team is New World (part of the Adidas, 3SSB circuit).

Caden officially visited on June 14, 2023.

An Iowa asst coach watched Caden Diggs & Eric Reibe, Class of 2025 (Bullis HS) play vs Patrick Ngongba (Paul VI High School) on June 24, 2023 during a live period in the DMV area.

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(Offer #28) Bryson Tucker (Iowa offered on...date unknown)

SF, 6'7, 180, Bradenton, FL

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(Offer #24) Luke Bamgboye (Iowa offered on July 26, 2022)

PF, 6'10, 195, Baltimore, MD

His AAU team is Team Thrill





(Offer #23) Patrick Ngongba (Iowa offered on July 11, 2022)

C, 6'10, 215, Manassas Park, VA (Paul VI High School)

Fran watched Guerengomba, Ngongba, Sundra, and Donnie Freeman (their AAU team is Team Takeover) on April 22, 2023.

An Iowa asst coach watched Caden Diggs & Eric Reibe, Class of 2025 (Bullis HS) play vs Patrick Ngongba (Paul VI High School) on June 24, 2023 during a live period in the DMV area.






(Offer #18) Tyler Betsey (Iowa offered on June 20, 2022)

SF, 6'7, 175, Oakdale, CT

Plays for New York Rens AAU team




(Offer #16) Naasir Cunningham (Iowa offered on June 15, 2022)

SF, 6'7, 175, Gladstone, NJ



(Offer #15) Travis Perry II (Iowa offered on June 15, 2022)

PG, 6'2, 170, Eddyville, KY

His AAU team is Indiana Elite (Cooper Koch, Travis Perry and Raleigh Burgess are AAU teammates)

Fran was watching his AAU game on April 21, 2023. Courtney Eldridge watched on Sat April 22, 2023.

Fran and Matt Gatens watched his AAU game on Sunday April 23, 2023.

An Iowa coach watched Cooper, Travis Perry and Raleigh Burgess' AAU game on April 29, 2023.

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(Offer #5) Liam McNeeley (Iowa offered on July 23, 2021)

SF, 6'6, 185, Plano, TX

His AAU team is the Florida Rebels

Fran watched two of his AAU games on April 22, 2023.

Liam Mc Neeley 2024 Small Forward Connecticut

Liam McNeeley - 2024 5 Star Small forward for Montverde Academy (Montverde, FL) on Rivals.com

n.rivals.com

(Offer #3) Caleb Middleton (Iowa offered on June 28, 2021)

PF, 6'10", 200, Hudson, OH

Iowa was Caleb's FIRST Power 5 (and B1G) offer.

Visited Iowa on Oct 9, 2021 (Penn State game)

His AAU team is the BABC (Boston Amateur Basketball Club)

Connections: Caleb (2024), TJ Power (2023), Dasonte Bowen (2022), Josh Ogundele (2020) & Iowa Assistant Coach Courtney Eldridge (1998) are all part of the BABC (Boston Amateur Basketball Club).


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(Offer #2) Cooper Koch (Iowa offered on May 11, 2021)

PF, 6'7", 205, Peoria, IL

Visited Iowa on Oct 9, 2021 (Penn State game)

On June 25, 2021, Tom Kakert forecasted Cooper to Iowa.

Committed to Iowa on 06/23/2022

His AAU team is Indiana Elite (Cooper Koch, Travis Perry and Raleigh Burgess are AAU teammates).

Fran was watching his AAU game on April 21, 2023. Courtney Eldridge watched on Sat April 22, 2023.

Fran and Matt Gatens watched his AAU game on Sunday April 23, 2023.

An Iowa coach watched Cooper, Travis Perry and Raleigh Burgess' AAU game on April 29, 2023.


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(Offer #1) Tayshawn Bridges (Iowa offered on July 10, 2020)

PG, 6'2", 170, Milwaukee, WI


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This List Continues in the next post....

He's delusional.

“I didn’t do anything wrong. I mean, that’s been proven as far as I’m concerned. And actually, we won in the Court of Appeals. You probably saw that that case has been largely won in the Court of Appeals. That was a political case coordinated with the White House by the attorney general, I assume is what you’re talking about. And we won that case largely in the Court of Appeals.” – Trump, responding a question of how he’d pay potentially massive penalties in his civil fraud and E. Jean Carroll cases. In both cases he’s been found liable.

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Wr from Valley to the Clones.

Probably won't win over many, but every few will help:

President Biden’s reelection campaign launched a digital ad Friday aimed at supporters of Nikki Haley, who dropped out of the race for the Republican presidential nomination this month. The ad is part of an effort by the president’s team to win over Republicans who may be disinclined to vote for Donald Trump.


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The Biden campaign, which is spending more than $1 million on the ad across digital platforms, will run the spot for three weeks in battleground states, campaign officials said. It is part of a six-week, $30 million ad buy the campaign launched after the State of the Union.
The ad features clips of Trump denigrating Haley during campaign rallies and telling reporters that he does not need her supporters to win.

“If you voted for Nikki Haley, Donald Trump doesn’t want your vote,” the ad says. “Save America. Join us.”

Since Haley’s exit, the Biden campaign has regularly made overtures to her supporters and donors.


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“Nikki Haley was willing to speak the truth about Trump: about the chaos that always follows him, about his inability to see right from wrong, about his cowering before Vladimir Putin,” Biden said in a statement when Haley ended her campaign. “Donald Trump made it clear he doesn’t want Nikki Haley’s supporters. I want to be clear: There is a place for them in my campaign.”

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A Biden campaign official said Jeffrey Katzenberg and Rufus Gifford, who oversee fundraising for the president’s campaign, have held meetings with people in Haley’s orbit to try to recruit them. There is discussion about a fundraiser specifically for Haley supporters in the coming weeks or months, said the official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal strategy.

The ad will run across digital platforms, including Meta, YouTube, connected TV and online video. The Biden campaign’s analytics department has used election results in specific states to find likely Haley voters. Using Zip codes where Haley overperformed against Trump relative to her statewide total, the campaign will target voters who are slightly older, college-educated and more suburban.


Haley has not yet endorsed a candidate in the presidential race. But toward the end of her campaign, she became increasingly critical of Trump, whose administration she worked in as ambassador to the United Nations.
During the GOP primary campaign, Trump wrote on his social media platform that Haley supporters “will be permanently banned from the MAGA camp.” After Haley dropped out, Trump wrote on Truth Social that he wanted “to invite all of the Haley supporters to join the greatest movement in the history of our Nation.” But in subsequent comments, when asked how he would win over Haley voters, Trump said, “I’m not sure we need too many.”

Trump won commanding victories in most of the Republican primary contests, but Haley still won hundreds of thousands of voters across the battleground states. Those voters could be crucial, given that in 2020, Biden defeated Trump by only narrow margins in states such as Wisconsin, Georgia, Arizona and Nevada. Many Haley voters have said they are undecided about whom they will support in November.
The new ad comes during a massive fundraising stretch for Biden, who has built a sizable financial advantage over Trump. On Thursday night, Biden was joined by former presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton for a fundraiser at New York’s Radio City Music Hall, where they raised more than $25 million. At the end of February, Biden’s campaign had $155 million in the bank.

President Biden informed Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) on Friday that he is firing the inspector general of the U.S. Railroad Retirement Board (RRB), Martin Dickman, on grounds of creating a hostile work environment, a source familiar told The Hill.

The termination, which Biden informed Johnson of by letter, comes after the president was presented with the findings of an investigation launched in January 2023 by the independent Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency after allegations against Dickman surfaced.

The investigation found evidence that Dickman created a toxic work environment and engaged in abusive treatment, including using crude and inappropriate language like slurs, and belittling employees, according to the source.

Dickman, who was confirmed for the position in 1994 under the Clinton administration, will be placed on non-duty status of administrative leave effective immediately. On April 28, his employment will be terminated.

According to the source, Biden is set to designate Ben R. Wagner, the inspector general of the Tennessee Valley Authority, as acting inspector general of RRB. Wagner will keep his other role while serving as acting IG.

Under the Securing Inspector General Independence Act of 2022, the president must notify Congress 30 days prior to removing an inspector general. The Biden administration concluded that given the issues surrounding the toxic work environment — leading to Dickman’s firing — there was a need to bring in independent leadership from outside RRB, which is why Wagner was selected, the source said.

The RRB office of the inspector general is responsible for conducting independent audits, reviews, and investigations. RRB, which is headquartered in Illinois, administers retirement-survivor pensions and unemployment-sickness benefits for railroad workers and their families, according to the agency.

The inspector general position requires a presidential appointment and Senate confirmation.

Dickman’s firing marks the first time Biden has fired an inspector general for cause.

The president has terminated the employment of other presidential-appointed and Senate-confirmed federal employees, including the former Architect of the Capitol, Brett Blanton, in 2023 after an inspector general report found he misused a government vehicle and allegedly impersonated a law enforcement officer.

Biden also fired former Social Security Commissioner, Andrew Saul, in 2021 after he refused to resign and has since appointed former Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley (D), who was confirmed.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/poli...S&cvid=304376fcd2f144ffa071f4596b2020a4&ei=11

This isn't shocking. After retiring from the industry, I will start drawing on it in a few years. They have been trying since 2009 to get at Railroad Retirement. They want to do to it, what they did to Social Security. Take the money and leave it full of I.O.U.'s. I am so sick of the government I could puke. Then I see all the money that they raise for their campaigns, and it pisses me off even more. I don't know what this guy did, but I know they have been replacing them left and right in order to get someone willing to let them at the money.

Saw this conversation on Reddit and thought it was interesting.

I wonder if this is becoming unlikely in the future. Housing and higher ed prices have a lot to do with it, I’m afraid.

Thoughts?

The sooner Netanyahu's gone, the better:

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing a coalition crisis over drafting ultra-Orthodox Jews into the military, an intractable battle at the heart of the state’s identity that has been sharpened by country’s manpower needs during the war with Hamas.

In a decision that has deep ramifications for society — not to mention Netanyahu’s government — Israel’s Supreme Court on Thursday ordered the suspension of state subsidies for ultra-Orthodox Jews studying in yeshivas instead of doing military service. It came just days ahead of an April 1 deadline for the government to agree on a new law to allow the community to avoid being drafted.

“There is a chance that this could be the first break in the wall for this coalition,” said Gilad Malach, an expert on the ultra-Orthodox at the Israel Democracy Institute, a Jerusalem think tank. Ultra-Orthodox leaders see the ruling as a betrayal of promises from Netanyahu, he said, including assurances of financial aid and military exemptions in return for their political support.



Military exemptions date to the first days of the Israeli state, when in 1949 David Ben Gurion, the country’s founder, granted exemptions for 400 religious yeshiva students of conscription age.
Since then, however, the number qualifying for exemption has mushroomed, and the ultra-Orthodox make up 13 percent of the population. Their political parties have been key members of Netanyahu’s successive governments.
Now, Netanyahu’s political survival hinges on whether he can keep them appeased. He must do that while also balancing the demands of other members of his cabinet, who insist that all members of society should contribute equally to Israel’s war against Hamas.


The dispute underscores a central tension in modern Israel, one that has become increasingly acute as Israeli soldiers fight and die in the more than five-month-long war in Gaza.



Many ultra-Orthodox, also known as Haredim in Israel, see military conscription as a threat to their existence, putting their normally cloistered young men in contact with secular life. But an increasing number of Israelis resent them for not pulling their weight; 70 percent of Israeli Jews support an end to blanket military exemptions, according to an Israel Democracy Institute survey.

The court ruling “destroys the foundation of the Jewish identity of the State of Israel,” tweeted Aryeh Deri, the leader of the Shas, an ultra-Orthodox political party in the governing coalition. “The people of Israel are engaged in a war of existence on several fronts and the judges of the High Court did everything tonight to create a fratricidal war as well.”
If ultra-Orthodox parties pull out of the coalition in protest, it would propel Israel into elections at a time when Netanyahu is deeply unpopular, his security credentials shattered by Hamas’s Oct. 7 attack.



Malach described it as another “shake” for the coalition. It comes as a potential cease-fire with Hamas also threatens Netanyahu’s support from his far-right partners. “We have more and more signals, and harder signals that the ship is shaking,” he said.
Netanyahu had petitioned the court for a 30-day extension to come up with a new conscription bill before the current exemptions expire at the end of the month. While that was unsuccessful, Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara on Thursday left the way open for a transition period in which financial sanctions will be frozen. Some analysts said that would allow a decision to be kicked farther down the road.
“In trying to please both the court and the majority of the country who want a significantly increased Haredi contribution to the [Israel Defense Forces] or national service in the post-October 7 world, as well as to ‘throw a bone’ to Netanyahu, the Haredim, and the government, the whole issue will essentially be postponed for months,” Yonah Jeremy Bob wrote of in a Jerusalem Post analysis.

Was kind of hard to tell Monday night! Which is what I wrote about in this week's Tuesdays With Torbee:

Tuesdays with Torbee​

by:Tory Brecht



Women’s basketball fans tuning in to ESPN last night eager to watch Caitlin Clark and the Iowa Hawkeyes continue their quest for a second-consecutive Final 4 run may be forgiven for thinking the Leader in Sports, rather than Netflix, was the new home for WWE’s Monday Night Raw.

Head slaps, body slams, hook-and-holds and all manner of other moves more common to a wresting cage match were judiciously employed by the West Virginia Mountaineers in their attempt to slow down the Hawkeye scoring machine.

It almost worked.

The Mountaineers’ felonious, er, make that aggressive, defense held the high-flying Hawks 28 points below their college basketball leading 92-point scoring average. Of course to do so West Virginia needed to commit 27 called fouls (and likely twice as many non-called offenses.) Iowa made them pay for that overzealousness, shooting a scintillating 83% from the free throw line on the way to a bruise-inducing, 10-point victory and into the Sweet 16.

As they shiver in their ice baths today, the Iowa women should feel elated they took a team’s literal best punch and emerged victorious. It is no secret the blueprint to beat Iowa’s high-scoring, fast-paced, often finesse style is to muck it up and turn free flowing games into street fights (apologies to South Carolina coach Dawn Staley if that description offends her delicate sensibilities.)

Monday night in front of a deafening Carver crowd, the Hawkeyes showed a toughness they have sometimes lacked in the past. It was a gut check game proving they have the grit, tenacity and ability to win ugly, physical games if needed. With heavyweights LSU and South Carolina looming further down the bracket, it is a valuable lesson for a team chasing a difficult dream.

It should also be noted that Iowa held West Virginia to 54 points and itself played lockdown defense at times. Unlike the Hawkeye men, the Iowa women have the capacity to clamp down and stop the opponent from scoring, even on nights when their own offense struggles.

Hawkeye haters – and that’s a growing demographic due to the unprecedented and unrelenting publicity the Caitlin Clark Show generates – were quick to whine about the 27 to 12 foul call disparity, insinuating the officiating favored Iowa. What they fail to note is the Mountaineers likely could have been called for 50-plus fouls. West Virginia coach Mark Kellogg employed the old Tom Izzo strategy of physically harassing every opposing ballhandler and daring the officials to call every foul. To their credit, Monday’s crew did call the most egregious ones, while letting minor misdemeanors go for the most part. They also managed to prevent the game from descending into the kind of chippiness that marred recent games, like that between LSU and South Carolina, where a literal basketbrawl erupted.

It is likely every opponent remaining in the tournament will attempt to intimidate, physically harass and bully the Hawkeyes. The good news is Iowa appears not only better equipped to overcome, but to return the favor a bit. There was an edge and feistiness to not only Clark, but teammates like Kate Martin and Hannah Stuelke as well Monday night. It seems to me the Hawks are sick and tired of being pushed around and are willing to mix it up a bit, which will be key down the stretch.

Personally, I prefer the “beautiful game” of crisp passing, freedom of movement and cascade of three pointers. That is also where the Iowa women’s team thrives best. Unfortunately, that free-flowing style is not shared by any of the teams remaining on Iowa’s side of the bracket, so players and fans alike need to strap in and prepare for more bare knuckle basketball.
Or as Ric Flair once said, “If you don’t like it, learn to LOVE IT!”